The NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey is an annual event that scores organisations on the measures they take to improve their environmental impacts. 

Over 200 sustainability professionals from Northern Ireland’s most environmentally conscious organisations gathered at an event to announce the results of the annual NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey, and to learn more about climate-action trends from other businesses.  

132 organisations from a range of sectors including construction, food and drink, general manufacturing, education, non-governmental organisations, ICT, finance and local authority took part in the survey in 2024.   

Queen’s is one of 39 organisations who gained platinum status in the survey and was ranked number one in the non-governmental organisation category – the only organisation to receive platinum status.  

Professor Michael Alcorn, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Sustainability and Strategic Projects at Queen’s, said:  

“It is great to see our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals once again recognised with a platinum status accolade from Business in the Community. In line with Strategy 2030 and our Net Zero Plan, we are actively embedding sustainability across all our teaching and research activities and leading by example in areas such as equality, diversity and inclusion, sustainable procurement and a commitment to reducing our dependency on fossil fuels.”  

Commenting on Queen’s success, Sara Lynch, Head of Sustainability, at Queen’s University Belfast, said: 

“We are delighted to once again have achieved platinum status in these prestigious regional awards. We are proud to be named as one of Northern Ireland’s top companies for environmental leadership and this recognition of our ongoing dedication to sustainability across all areas of our activities is the result of the commitment and collaborative working of the entire university community.” 

Minister Andrew Muir, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, said: 

“The Department has consistently supported BITC’s environmental and climate initiatives and is inspired by the enthusiastic participation of organisations across Northern Ireland, regardless of their size or sector. This demonstrates the shared responsibility we all have for environmental stewardship. Their active engagement in the Survey and Climate Action Pledge, and commitment to public accountability, reflects a real dedication to integrating environmental responsibility into the heart of business practices.” 

Media

Media inquiries to Lia McKenzie at Lia.Mckenzie@qub.ac.uk